USB Devices not being acknowledged? Can't access media stix or digi cam???

Recently I did an OS rebuild (without losing system settings, apps or data):

http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897

For some reason I can't access any plug in USB devices. To be clear I can access my USB printer and Wireless keyboard and mouse but not the Memory Stick nor the Digital Camera???? I am at a loss here have tried reinstalling my mobo drivers for the "South Bridge", disconnected and reconnected the mobo pin for USB (but the printer and wireless stuff were already working). I think there is a setting and or driver that is missing or corrupt.

Any suggestions how to explore this further as it is a pain.

 

Unfortunately, I have no ‘quick fix’ advice for this particular problem Bold Eagle other than to try updating your BIOS or other hardware's firmware (or perhaps a Motherboard BIOS upgrade or update).

However I just wanted to add that; although I always like reading Fred Langa as well, whenever my Windows system is in 'rough enough shape' that it needs a complete rebuild or major repair - I always choose to entirely reformat. I have yet to meet anyone who tried some "new and improved" way to "rebuild" or "repair" Windows who did not run into numerous problems either immediately or soon after the complete rebuild or major repair.

Additionally, in my case; over time I literally kick the crap out of my system, since I'm always installing new software to test (or re-test newer version upgrades or updates) and then uninstalling them immediately after the testing is done; which takes its toll on the Windows registry and other areas.

The extra two or three days - usually over a weekend - that it takes to reformat and then add all of the extra software that I want in the "new" system is well worth the effort in my opinion; especially when I consider all off the potential nagging difficulties (that I avoid in the long run) which I ran into in the past whenever trying a Windows "repair option"

Good Luck!

 

I like your thinking and I was certainly considering starting afresh but was hoping to keep it functioning nicely for a couple more weeks until I complete my new system build. Then I will do a complete reformat, give it to the missus and tweak it more to her likings.

I'm sure it is something simple, the device is being displayed in the bottom right hand corner and I can access it's properties but this is all, but not when I open up "My Computer" this is what makes me think it is some simple setting I am overlooking???? Have tried opening pics with my viewers and docs with Word that I know are on these devices.

 

Does it show up in the disk manager? Start->run diskmgmt.msc

 

No, not that I can see but has displayed both of my HDD. Hang on I was just looking at the window and a "generic" device has just appeared same size as my mem stick (124Mb).

 

Still not being displayed in "My Computer" yet though and can't seem to access it, but this certainly seems a step in the right direction.

 

>> I like your thinking and I was certainly considering starting afresh but was hoping to keep it functioning nicely for a couple more weeks until I complete my new system build. Then I will do a complete reformat, give it to the missus and tweak it more to her likings. << Bold Eagle

Thanks for your comments Bold Eagle.

Since XP was first released; I've likely seen dozens, perhaps even hundreds of sites which "joyously proclaim" some new and improved "hassle free" method of "rebuilding" or "repairing" Windows more easily. However as I indicated earlier; I have yet to meet anyone 'personally' who did not run into copious minor and major problems either immediately or soon after attempting the complete rebuild or major repair options.

I'm not saying it will "never" be accomplished by any means. However in my case; for the time being at least, I do not think it is possible due to the somewhat complicated nature of XP Beast and also due to the fact that I pretty much beat the tar out of my machines. Alas, the "XP Fountain of Youth" always seems to elude us (to the delight of Big Bill and Company's accountants, I'm sure! <g>

While it certainly can be a challenge "time-wise" to reformat, the trouble involved with the other alternatives offered here, is simply not worth it IMO. In point of fact I don't really mind formatting at all and I actually prefer this method; even over an image...

Although I do still regularly keep updated images for each separate home and work machine as "insurance" - just in case something major happens and there is no time for a reformat. Additionally, I always like the fact that I always get a leaner meaner PC out of the deal after an entire reformat as well.

Side Note: I actually keep several (separate) e-mail accounts which are specifically set-up with all of the .zipped program and utility installation files that I like to install; which are listed in the actual "numerical" order that I like to have then installed (i.e., (1) Antivirus, (2) Firewall, (3) Start Menu Items, etc.) including a text file within the .zip file - with serial numbers, product keys, etc. for each shareware program.

I also keep .zip files with all of the necessary folders - entirely empty of course - on these e-mail accounts ready and waiting. For instance all of the folders within "Programs," My Computer, My Music, My Briefcase, Educational, Utilities, Cleanup tools, etc that I like to keep on my desktop are ready to go each time I format.

It took a little time to initially set this up, but it is far more secure than worrying about where I kept the program serial numbers, or where exactly I stored all of those CD's or wondering if the CD's or DVD's are corrupted. There is literally no chance of any of these problems happening while all of these installation .zip files are resting, ready and waiting within my e-mail accounts.

Good Luck!

 

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/03/12/no-drive-letter-for-usb-or-firewire-drive/